BOISE, Idaho -– Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 49th annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to reduce tobacco use. The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who smoke or use any form of tobacco, including e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, to create a plan to quit.
In Idaho, tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death, and smoking is linked to at least 12 types of cancers, including lung, liver and colorectal cancers. Each year, 1.800 die from a smoking-related disease in Idaho alone. Although these hazards are well established, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 10.4% of adults in Idaho smoke. These products are highly addictive, and it can be difficult for people to quit using tobacco once they have started.
“The Great American Smokeout is not just an opportunity for people who use tobacco to set a plan to quit. It’s also a clear wake up call for lawmakers to say it’s time for Idaho to stand up to Big Tobacco,” said Randy Johson, Idaho government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “For too long, Idaho has allowed the tobacco industry to addict people to deadly, cancer-causing products. It’s time to say, enough is enough.’ Our residents deserve better.”
Research shows that strong tobacco control policies, like sustaining Support for Idaho’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program -- Project Filter – is essential to prevent youth tobacco and e-cigarette use and to help Idahoans quit. Continued investment in this program saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and protects future generations from addiction.
Tobacco use is one of the primary drivers of cancer-related health disparities. Tobacco companies have specifically targeted communities of color, people with limited incomes, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and youth, causing disproportionate tobacco use among these populations. In 2021, the prevalence of any tobacco product use was higher among adults living in rural areas (26.2%) compared to adults living in urban areas (17.5%). Reducing the cancer burden for everyone relies heavily on eliminating tobacco use.
“On this Great American Smokeout, we urge Idaho lawmakers to support people who want to quit using tobacco by moving quickly to fully fund Project Filter, our state’s Tobacco Control Program.” Johnson said. “Evidence-based programs like Project Filter prevent youth initiation, help adults quit, and reduce the long-term health and economic burden of tobacco use. Every dollar invested today means fewer lives lost tomorrow. Fully funding this program benefits every Idahoan by reducing tobacco use and addiction, leading to fewer deaths and less suffering from tobacco-related diseases such as cancer.”
Free resources on quitting tobacco can be found through the American Cancer Society’s cessation program, Empowered to Quit or at Idaho’s Project Filter.